The race for second is so close and by that I mean that Fulham, currently six points away in sixth should fancy their chances. We are closer, but that is all it is. I fancy this race for second is going to go right down to the wire.

And I've seen comments that we should easily win today but nothing is going to be easy between now and the end of the season. I think I touched on this yesterday and the truth is that it's most of us supporters that are in a place that we're not familiar with.

And this is where we have to have blind optimism. Or maybe it should be called faith.

And coming from me, that is a little close to the edge. But we are where we are in spite of most supporters this season so wouldn't it be nice if those same supporters started to support the manager. Just imagine finishing second and getting promoted automatically?

And that is why, like I wrote recently, we have to get behind the team and manager. Every game is so crucial now and every point dropped could be the point that means we don't go up automatically. And surely that is what we all want?

I mean, I might be wrong and the owner sells or he finds investment or I might be really wrong and he might have the money to make the Premier League interesting. I mean, I've been wrong before.

Video of the day

Match stats from the BBC

Aston Villa are yet to lose to Burton in three league meetings (W2 D1).

Although Burton lost their only match at Villa Park in last season's Championship, manager Nigel Clough has won there previously - a 2-1 win in the FA Cup with Sheffield United in January 2014.

Steve Bruce has won five of six previous managerial meetings with Clough (D1) including both home matches against him.

The Villans have won each of their past five league games; their best run in the league since April 1998 (also five successive wins). They last won six or more in a row in February 1990 (seven consecutive wins).

Burton have conceded 12 goals in their past three Championship games (L3); as many as they Brewers had conceded their previous is 11 league outings.

Robert Snodgrass has scored or assisted in each of his past five Championship games for Aston Villa, scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Updates and team news

So with that written, it's time to get breakfast done and today, a bet. And yes, I'm back to betting having decided to stop trying to make money with cryptocurrencies. Instead, I'm just holding what I've got and hoping that the white paper was right.

And yes, I'll be betting on a home win and Derby to draw. Just in case you were interested.

Author: Damian

Damian started The Villa Blog as a passion project quite a few years ago while he was living in South Africa. Now living in Sweden, it continues. He's originally from Chasetown and grew up when supporting Villa meant there was a real chance of silverware at the start of every season.